Twelve Saint Xavier University (SXU) students were elected to partake in the Chicago
Network's (TCN) Future Leaders Program on Monday, May 8 and Tuesday, May 9.

SXU, Dominican University and University of Illinois-Chicago all partnered with TCN,
a group of senior women business leaders, who shared various career experiences with
36 young women. SXU students had the opportunity to visit Heartland Alliance for Human
Needs and Human Rights, the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), and the Hyatt
Corporation.

Students who attend the Future Leaders Program are given the opportunity not only
to visit the host companies, but also to partake in an interactive schedule, which
include learning about the industry, touring the space and reviewing the necessary
qualifications of that career. The program is meant to empower women in becoming leaders.

Lisette Carrera, a rising junior natural science major, offered SXU a glimpse into
her experience with the Future Leaders Program.

"I felt empowered," said Carrera. "The majority of these women started in the same
shoes I'm in right now. They were first generation, low or middle class, women, and
underrepresented minorities. They all had a time where they had to face their own
struggles, but the way they grew from them really captivated me."

Going into the program, Carrera was most eager to meet the women from TCN and learn
about their journeys. During the orientation on Tuesday, April 25, students interacted
with the women in one-on-one discussions. Students could also ask TCN members questions
and trade contact information.

When the SXU students visited Heartland Alliance, they had the chance to meet and
speak to Evelyn Diaz, president of the company. Diaz shared her story with the students
and taught them the history of the company. The students then got to observe Harvest
Commons, an affordable housing development run by Heartland Alliance. They also had
the pleasure of viewing a presentation form NIJC entitled, "Know Your Rights." To
end out the first day, they met with Mary Meg McCarthy, executive director of Heartland
Alliance.

For the second day of the program, SXU students were guests at the Hyatt Corporation.
Rena Reiss, general counsel and secretary, and Maryann Banikarim, executive vice president
and global chief marketing officer, shared their stories and presented the purpose
and brand overview. After each session, there was time for a Q&A. When McCarthy was
asked to share advice with the students, she encouraged them to embrace chaos, and
acknowledge their challenges and setbacks.

Reflecting on her experience in the Future Leaders Program, Carrera made it clear
that it was an important experience for her. She believes they are a great example
of what hard work and leadership looks like on an executive level.

"I would be honored to be a part of an organization like the Chicago Network," said
Carrera. "They are truly empowering the future generation of women leaders and exposing
them to the endless career opportunities."

Another SXU student, Deana Watson, was interviewed by CBS 2 Chicago on her experience. For more information on the Future Leaders Program, visit the Chicago Network's website.